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Joshua Wellman Missing Person Case

Last seen in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Nov 11, 2015

Victim Details

Feb 24, 2019

Feb 14, 2024

Joshua

Wellman

45

35

65 inches

175 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Nov 11, 2015

Cedar Rapids

Iowa

Linn County

52404

No

48385

Cedar Rapids Police Department

Cedar Rapids

Iowa

Linn County

52404

Matt Denlinger

Investigator

505 1st Street Southwest, Iowa

3192865375

Local

Law Enforcement

https://www.cedar-rapids.org/local_government/departments_g_-_v/police/index.php

201516983

Cedar Rapids Police Department

9555

Brown

Brown

Brown

Oct 3, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP55642) and 15 other sources
Joshua Ryan Wellman, a 35-year-old from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was last seen on November 12, 2015. That day, his mother and sister dropped him off at the Cedar Rapids Area Substance Abuse Center, where he was receiving outpatient treatment. Later that day, he was captured on surveillance footage at a Verizon store in Cedar Rapids. His family reported him missing on November 16 after they had not heard from him and noticed that he had left his backpack behind at his mother’s apartment, something he rarely did.

Joshua had a history of drug abuse, including methamphetamine, and there were reports that he may have been involved in drug-related activities on the day of his disappearance. Despite these rumors, investigators have not been able to confirm what happened to him. There are theories within the local drug culture that he may have been murdered, but these leads have not been substantiated.

Joshua is described as 5'5", 175 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He had several tattoos, including the word "Hope" on his arm and a spiderweb on his elbow. His family continues to search for answers, holding vigils and spreading awareness about his case. Despite the ongoing investigation, Joshua's whereabouts remain unknown, and his case remains unsolved.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Last Seen: Nov 11, 2015

Links to Additional Sources (15)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Joshua Wellman | Iowa Cold Cases
  • Justice For Josh Wellman | Facebook
  • Justice For Josh Wellman Public Group - Facebook
  • Missing from Cedar Rapids since 2015
  • JOSHUA RYAN WELLMAN - Iowa Missing Person
  • Missing: Joshua Ryan Wellman - 411 Gina
  • Missing Person / NamUs
  • Family of Missing Man Searches for Answers - KCRG
  • Joshua Ryan Wellman - The Charley Project
  • Local families support statewide cold case unit created by Iowa AG
  • 6974DMIA - Joshua Ryan Wellman - Doe Network
  • Missing from Cedar Rapids since 2015, 'we just want someone to ...
  • Joshua Ryan Wellman - GINA for Missing Persons
  • IA - Joshua Wellman, 35, Cedar Rapids, 12 Nov 2015 | Websleuths
  • The Unsolved Disappearance of Joshua Ryan Wellman, Cold Case ...

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    75%Possible
    John Doe — Savanna, Illinois
    UP74401 • Found Feb 29, 2020
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 35 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 81%80 mi away
    TimingFound 4 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'3"–5'8" vs 5'5"

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

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    Forum Posts (2)

    Hey everyone, I've been following Joshua Wellman's case for a while now, and something that's... ...Read More
    05/04/2024
    I’ve been following Joshua Wellman's case closely, and something that really caught my eye was the... ...Read More
    08/07/2023

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